Fabregas 'edge' has Sparky's approval

By PETER FERGUSON

Last updated at 09:15 28 February 2007

Mark Hughes found time during preparations for tonight's FA Cup replay with Arsenal to pay a remarkable tribute to Cesc Fabregas — the Gunners midfielder with whom he clashed so spectacularly at the Emirates Stadium.

The Blackburn boss took exception to the precocious Spanish teenager's sneer that "it was not Barcelona football" which earned battling Rovers a drab, goalless fifth-round draw 11 days ago.

Hughes, who had a spell at the Nou Camp, made a point of recalling that he was a four-times FA Cup winner with Manchester United and Chelsea during a distinguished playing career.

But Hughes, a feisty and fearless Wales striker who was not nicknamed Sparky by accident, admitted that he admired the 'edge' carried by confident Fabregas, 19, who is expected to be rested for tonight's match.

Hughes also won two European trophies and two League titles, but he predicted: "He's got the potential to win twice as many medals as I have if he stays at the top as long as everybody expects that he will."

The comment came from a man so justifiably proud of his FA Cup record that, when the old trophy made a promotional trip to Blackburn, he said: "I haven't seen it — I don't need to, I've lifted it a few times."

Fabregas, who last night spoke of his happiness at his long-term deal with Arsenal and dismissed suggestions that he will be joining Real Madrid, was the pick of the Gunners' young crop on Sunday in the Carling Cup Final at Cardiff against Chelsea.

However, he was at the centre of controversy again as he tussled with Frank Lampard, but Hughes was ready to excuse Fabregas' temperament.

He said: "To be at a top club you need a winner's mentality and Arsenal players have that individually and collectively. They take defeat poorly — that's not a criticism, it's a trait you want as a manager.

"I think Fabregas has got an edge about him. I think everyone has seen that in him. If you look back at all the great players, they always had that bit of an edge. It's not a bad thing as long as it's kept in check.

"He came in and apologised at Arsenal. He said it with genuine sincerity and I took it in the right spirit.

"He made the point that he wants to win every game and when he doesn't he gets frustrated."

Former Arsenal prospect David Bentley handed Hughes a pre-match boost by signing a four-year deal until 2011 — then thanked his manager for toughening him up for life in the Premiership.

England hopeful Bentley, who nagged Wenger for a transfer until his 2005 move, revealed: "We never did weights at Arsenal. I've been in the gym every day here. I knew I had to develop as a player.

"Hopefully, I have got quicker and stronger. I'm not massive so it's about building up the strength to ride some of the hard tackles.

"This is a massive game for us. It was boring at Arsenal, we wouldn't want to play like that every week.

"Maybe it will be more entertaining this time. But if it isn't and we win, we will still be happy."